JEDDAH, 20 January 2003 —- The fact that an economic forum was held specifically for Saudi businesswomen is clear evidence that they have become a significant presence in the Saudi business world, according to those who partook in Saturday’s female-only conference at the Jeddah Economic Forum.
“Saudi women have never been absent from the field of business, but now they have more confidence and experience to go public and participate in conferences and forums,” said Dr. Wahi Luqman, legal consultant at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz University.
The number of Saudi businesswomen has certainly increased in the past few decades, and increased access to higher education has meant greater numbers of women entering the local workforce.
“The topic of the forum is how to think globally and act locally, and our presence confirms our importance in contributing to our national development,” said Madawi Al-Hassoon, a businesswoman and one of the coordinators of the event.
“All the women here have come with great enthusiasm to listen and benefit from the presentations, and the discussions were at a high level of understanding,” she said, adding that the quantity and quality of the ladies present reflect very well on society.
Saudi businesswoman Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, dean of Effat College and one of the moderators, said the conference had introduced the female participants to a wide variety of views on investment opportunities and the global economy.
“It’s one way to make them exchange views and network and develop their skills,” she added.
Maha Fatehi, a member of the businesswomen’s committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a member of a prominent business family, said the high caliber of the international speakers had been a particular attraction.
“I got several things from this forum,” she told Arab News. “There was the opportunity to meet and communicate with fellow Saudi businesswomen, a chance we rarely get, and it was an opportunity to meet and learn from the experiences of women from other countries.”
She spoke highly of the forum’s organization and program, while expressing the hope that next time a local company will be the organizer.
Another Saudi businesswoman, Nabila Al-Bassam, who traveled from the Eastern Province to attend this forum, expressed joy at its success. “I hope it travels to other provinces and it would be interesting to have workshops afterward,” she suggested.
She added that while men are offering their support, “there is a need for political changes as Crown Prince Abdullah has mentioned in order to open more doors for women.”
